The purpose of this course is to provide students with the basic concepts of syntactic analysis, crucially contrasting Italian and English syntax. In particular we will focus on the phenomena that characterize the acquisition of syntax in L1 and L2, and  , as well as on the issues related to bilingualism and code-switching.

1. Basic concepts

1.1. Universal Grammar

1.2. Principles and Parameters theory

2. italian and English Syntax

2.1. Phrases and constituency tests

2.2. Phrase structure; X-Bar theory

2.3. Subordinate and interrogative clauses

2.4. Non-finite clauses

3. Language Acquisition

3.1. L1 acquisition

3.2. The acquisition of syntax

3.3. L2 acquisition

4. Bilingualism

4.1. Code-switching

4.2. Syntactic analysis

a) Knowledge and understanding: At the end of the course the student should be able to master the formal tools of syntactic analysis and have a deep knowledge of the issues related to the acquisition of syntax in L1 and L2 as well as in bilingual contexts.

b) Applied knowledge and understanding: They should also be able to apply their theoretical knowledge to particular cases, such as assessing the level of syntax development in Italian mother tongue children and in foreigners who study Italian as L2, in order to be able to intervene with appropriate support activities.

c) Autonomy of judgment: Students will be able to reflect critically and independently on linguistic phenomena in Italian and in other languages, as well as analyse with formal syntax tools the mixed productions of bilingual speakers.

d) Communication skills: Students are required to master the linguistic means of expression and identify the effective communication strategies in L2 contexts, bilingualism, and code-switching.

e) Learning skills: Students will develop formal reasoning skills to correctly interpret linguistic productions in Italian, in the foreign languages ??studied and in code-switching contexts.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Frontal classes

Innovative teaching methods

CLIL - integrated learning of English language and formal syntax

Course books

Cocchi, G. Basic English Syntax, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2019

Cocchi, G. Advanced English Syntax, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2021

(alternatively: Donati C., La Sintassi, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2008)

Cocchi. G. et al. L'italiano come L2 nella scuola dell'obbligo, Bulzoni, Roma, 1996 (available also on Moodle)

Extra-material on:

  L1 acquisition

  Bilingualism and code-switching

Assessment

Written test with 8 open-ended questions. Evaluation: up to 4 points for each answer. Points are assigned according to coherence and completeness of answer.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Attendance

Students are advised to contact the lecturer before the exam

Course books

Cocchi, G. Basic English Syntax, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2019

Cocchi, G. Advanced English Syntax, FrancoAngeli, Milano [in preparation]

(alternatively: Donati C., La Sintassi, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2008)

Cocchi. G. et al. L'italiano come L2 nella scuola dell'obbligo, Bulzoni, Roma, 1996 (available also on Moodle)

In order to give non-attending students the opportunity to compensate for what is done during lessons with independent study, the following materials referring to the same contents of the program are indicated in order to promote full understanding:

Cardinaletti, A. "Esercizi di sintassi" Le Bussole, Carocci, 2009

Extra-material on:

  L1 acquisition

  Bilingualism and code-switching

Assessment

Written test with 8 open-ended questions. Evaluation: up to 4 points for each answer. Points are assigned according to coherence and completeness of answer.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.